Stan's List

The ML-1630 is a laser printer and the SCX-4500 is a laser print, copy and scanner. While the features are not new, the form factor is. Samsung is advertising these as the smallest printers or 3-in-1 anywhere. Also they are very quiet, only 45 db. Soft melodic low toner and paper alert tones. If you are at Macworld I suggest you stop over at booth 1237, or visit them at their web page.

I really liked this style, unlike most printers, who look like the box they came out of, this style is a new approach. The web page above has not only a picture of this printer, but some of their other printers which look like every other printer.

I have taken some time with this one. The style is Apple, yet it is for a special segment. As Mossberg has stated, the Air is likely for someone who spends a lot of time in the air. Strange isn’t?

The only way to install the OS is by an attached DVD drive. No networking, no Target Mode, no FireWire, no Ethernet, no PC card slot, as there is only USB. Single applications may be installed via Wi-Fi., but without an external DVD drive the MacBook Air is an island with maybe web access.

I also think the price is too high, reminiscent of the iPhone. At $1,800 for the Air, the MacBook Pro starts at $1,999 and you get a fully equipped laptop:

15 inch 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1440 x 900 resolution
2GB memory
120GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 128MB SDRAM

and don’t forget, ethernet and FireWire and PC card slot

Do we even want to mention the MacBook? No PC card slot, but pretty much everything else and at a darn better price.

iPhone 1.1.3

GPS-like location positioning on Maps, SMS texting to multiple recipients, customized home screens, IMAP for Gmail, iTunes Store movie rentals, video chapters and sub-titles, lyrics support in iPod mode. Download 1.1.3 via iTunes 7.6.

iPod Touch 1.1.3

Maps, Mail, Stock Notes and Weather plus the new iPhone updates. Free with new iPod touch or a very misunderstood $20 download from iTunes Store for current owners.

There are video demos of the new features of either the iPhone or iPod Touch.

Dr. Bott’s T3Hub USB 2.0 hub for laptops has the ability to report itself as a powered hub to the laptop. As their web mentions the T3Hub powers devices which normally would not function when connected to an unpowered hub. This would be most useful in the field where your extension cord can not follow and you have more than one USB device to connect or a device that requires a powered hub. I have it presently connect to my desktop Mac, but I am looking forward to testing it far from a wall socket. Normally $20, save $5 at Macworld, Booth 2118, or you could try their web page and see if they will honor the Macworld price.

Nicely done!!

The following updates are available via Software Update or from Apple’s Downloads page:

iTunes 7.6

Rent and download your favorite movies with iTunes on your computer or directly to your living room on Apple TV. Enjoy rented movies in sizes up to 720p HD with surround sound on your Apple TV and sizes up to DVD-quality on your computer. Transfer your rented movies from iTunes to your iPod or iPhone and enjoy them on the go.

Also, purchase and download your favorite TV shows, music, and more directly on your Apple TV. Effortlessly transfer purchases made on Apple TV back to your computer with iTunes.

QuickTime 7.4

QuickTime 7.4 addresses security issues and delivers:
- Numerous bug fixes
- Support for iTunes

This release is recommended for all QuickTime 7 users.

For detailed information on the security content of this update, please visit this website.

iMovie 7.1.1

This update addresses issues when publishing movies to a .Mac Web Gallery, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues.

Front Row 2.1.2

This Front Row update provides for bug fixes and improved iTunes compatibility.